“Either way, I’m sure I’ll end up with a contract,” Schneider said during the NHLPA meetings this week in Chicago. “I don’t think that’s an issue. I think if I was facing the possibility of not being in the league next year I’d be a little more concerned. I’m comfortable with the idea that it may not be a deal now or in the next week, but eventually I think something will happen.

Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks could definitely use a guy like Ryan Suter on their blueline, but they’ll likely have to go with the 2nd tier Dmen. Possible targets could be: Jason Garrison, Filip Kuba, Pavel Kubina, Matt Carle, Bryce Salvador and Sami Salo. 3rd tier options could be: Sheldon Souray, Chris Campoli, Bryan Allen, Jaroslav Spacek, Hal Gill, Greg Zanon and Cory Sarich. Jay Bouwmeester may now be available for trade.

Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero is still looking for a defensive partner for Kris Letang, and a winger for Sidney Crosby. The Pens have assets on the blueline that could be moved. Matt Niskanen could be signed to a long-term deal if the Penguins are successful in moving Paul Martin.

“I’ve been here with my son in Montreal for two months. He’s four years old now,” Latendresse said. “It’s pretty hard for me during the wintertime, so I think it would be best if I can try and land somewhere that would be closer to him.”

The Wild offered Latendresse an incentive based 1 year deal according to sources.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to go back,” Latendresse said. “It’s not that the contract was not good. It’s not that I didn’t like the way the team was working or anything. It’s really a personal matter more than anything. I would have loved to go back to Minnesota, but sometimes you have to make decisions for your family and for your future.”